Former Mayo footballer charged following serious assault

A former Mayo inter-county footballer has been before Castlebar District Court, after being charged in connection with a serious assault in the town last year.

Davitt Neary is one of four people facing charges in relation to an incident on Tucker Street, Castlebar, on 23 August 2025.

The 23-year-old, with an address at Shanvalley, Breaffy Woods, Castlebar, is accused of assault causing harm and of violent disorder.

Judge Vincent Deane was told he was arrested and charged at 9.12am this morning. He made no reply to either of the charges put to him.

The court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Court.

The issue of legal aid was deferred to the next court sitting and Judge Deane acceded to the State's request that Mr Neary be remanded on bail, pending service of the book of evidence.

24-year-old Paul Dowding, with an address at Frenchill, Castlebar and 18-year-old Rhys Neary, of Shanvalley, Breaffy Woods, Castlebar have both also been charged with assault causing harm and violent disorder.

A fourth person, Oran Groarke - who is 23 and from Ballynew, Turlough Road, Castlebar - has been charged with violent disorder.

Legal aid was granted for these three defendants, who were all remanded on bail to appear before Castlebar District Court in July, for service of the book of evidence.